I.O.I and Gugudan Former Member Kang Mina Departs from Jellyfish Entertainment (Official)

I.O.I and Gugudan former member Kang Mina is leaving her agency Jellyfish Entertainment.

On June 28th, Jellyfish Entertainment announced that the exclusive contract with Kang Mina, who had been with the agency for the past 7 years, has officially expired. They stated, "Today, June 28th, marks the end of Kang Mina's exclusive contract with Jellyfish Entertainment. Although our journey together with Kang Mina concludes here, we will cherish every moment we shared with her." They further expressed their deep gratitude to Kang Mina for her long-standing partnership and sincerely wished her success in her future endeavors. The statement concluded with an affectionate message, "As Kang Mina embarks on a new beginning, we ask for your unwavering love and support for her."

Prior to the official contract expiration announcement, there were speculations about Kang Mina joining Story J Company. At the time, Story J Company stated, "It is true that we had a meeting with Kang Mina. We are currently in positive discussions regarding an exclusive contract." Story J Company is home to actors such as Kim Tae-hee, Oh Yeon-seo, and Seo In-guk. Kang Mina is expected to continue her acting career in earnest, as she has discussed an exclusive contract with Actor Entertainment.

Kang Mina made her debut in May 2016 through Mnet's "Produce 101 Season 1," where she became a member of the project group I.O.I. In June of the same year, she officially debuted as a member of the girl group Gugudan, balancing group activities with her acting career. After the group disbanded in December 2020, she focused more on her acting endeavors. Kang Mina is set to appear in the upcoming JTBC drama "Welcome to Samdalri," scheduled to premiere in November, in the role of Jo Haedal.